Congregation provides book bags to 250 kids

Friday

Sep 6, 2013 at 12:01 AMSep 6, 2013 at 10:06 AM

Molly Phipps

Last year, Shelby First Assembly gave 75 backpacks to kids in Cleveland County’s Department of Social Services programs.

“After we did the 75, I put a challenge out to our congregation to do 250 this year,” said Heather Shaw, worship and youth leader. “It took a whole year of focusing on collecting supplies and donations, shopping at sales.”

Shaw said church members donated money for the supplies throughout the year, but by July, the goal of 250 backpacks was still far away.

“It got close to time and it didn’t look like we were going to make it,” she said. “But at the minute we needed it, everything was there. It was really awesome to see God provide all the supplies in the book bags.”

Those supplies included pencils and pens, paper, composition books, folders and crayons.

The church also color-coordinated each bag, according to the age group it fit.

“Because high schoolers’ needs are different from a child who begins kindergarten, they went the extra mile to make sure each age group had what they needed,” said Karen Ellis, director of Cleveland County DSS.

'This church cared'

Ellis said the church may not realize the magnitude of its service to the county’s children. All of the children in DSS received a new backpack filled with school supplies.

“It was remarkable that this church cared enough about our children to take the program,” she said. “By this selfless act of the members of this church, our children were able to feel confident and were eager to go to school.”

Having the essential school supplies is critical to a student’s success, Ellis said. Not only does it help them academically, it gives students a boost in their confidence that helps them to succeed.

A giving community

Shaw said by giving the backpacks, Shelby First Assembly was simply fulfilling its purpose.

“Jesus came and he met the needs of people that he came in contact with, and that’s our job—to be Jesus to people,” she said. “It’s good to see the church get together and do what they should be doing.”

The church members also put an extra item in each book bag for the students.

“The youth group actually put a card in each of the bags, so that every student would have a note from someone at Shelby First Assembly that said 'we love you, we’re praying for you, and we hope you have a good year,'” said Shaw. “We just wanted to be able to do something to give to the community and just share God’s love with those in need.”

Without a doubt, Cleveland County as a whole is a giving community, Ellis said.

“It makes me thankful and blessed to live in a county where others truly care and show their love for our county’s children. And their gracious acts are so much appreciated by myself, staff and most of all, the children,” she said.

Want to help DSS children?

-Individuals and businesses can donate to the Foster Children School Supply Fund.

-Mail checks for the fund to the Cleveland County Department of Social Services, P.O. Drawer 9006, Shelby, NC 28151.

-For more information, call Debra Hoyle at 704-487-0661.

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